Florida is facing a serious public health setback. Reported cases of whooping cough also known as pertussis have surged by 81% from 2024 to 2025, raising alarm among doctors and parents alike.
According to The Tallahassee Democrat, the Florida Department of Health recorded 1,295 cases of whooping cough by September 27, 2025, compared to 715 cases in all of 2024. Data shows that about 63% of the cases involve children aged 0–9, a deeply concerning statistic for pediatric experts.
Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection that can be particularly dangerous for infants and young children. Severe cases can lead to pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, or even death.
“We are setting up a cesspool of germs for our kids to walk into,” said Dr. Tara Williams, a general academic pediatrician, in an interview with USA TODAY.
Dr. Mobeen Rathore also warned that many individuals infected with pertussis can spread it to others without realizing it:
“We are seeing a lot of people with pertussis who are exposing others in emergency departments and doctors’ offices,” he said.
One major factor behind this surge appears to be declining vaccination rates. In 2024, Florida’s kindergarten immunization rate dropped to 90.6% the lowest in over ten years. Public health officials say a 95% vaccination rate is necessary to prevent outbreaks of contagious diseases like whooping cough.
Experts have also pointed to growing anti-vaccine sentiment in some political circles as a contributing factor. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has long questioned vaccine safety, has faced criticism for promoting skepticism about established medical science. Critics argue that such rhetoric has made vaccine hesitancy more mainstream, especially in some conservative communities.
As red states debate rolling back vaccine mandates for schools, doctors are warning that this could lead to even larger outbreaks in the future not just of whooping cough, but of other preventable diseases as well.
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